Corrie's Shelley quits the Street

Lindsay, 31, who last month scooped a Best Actress gong, first joined the ITV soap five years ago.

Recently she has been at the centre of one of the Street's biggest storylines with Shelley's abusive relationship with Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward).

Last month millions of viewers saw Shelley dramatically dump Charlie at the alter after suffering months of mental abuse at the hands of the bullying builder.

Lindsay will bow out in nine months, when her current contract comes to an end. Scriptwriters are unlikely to kill off her character as soap bosses want to leave the door open for a possible return.

Unusual relationship

Lindsay, whose character Shelley was also been involved in a bigamous marriage to Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), said: "I have decided to leave at the end of my current contract after nearly five years on the Street.

"I think that Shelley has been through so much as a character during my time here, and I am really looking forward to working on different projects.

"I have and always will have a massive affection for Coronation Street, and I want to thank all the cast, production team and writers for everything that has happened for me and my character."

Street Producer Tony Wood said: "Sally has been fantastic during her time on Coronation Street, she has done everything that has been asked of her and more.

"She is a talented actress and her portrayal of Shelley's mental abuse at the hands of Charlie was excellent. I can understand Sally's desire to move on and try other things and wish her every success for the future."